Diabetes with a smile–

Month: June 2017

It’s coming folks — the 4th of July! A great day for those of us in the U.S.A. who have so much to be grateful for. Parades, ceremonies, and then the Sacred Barbecue! Who doesn’t like a good BBQ? Fire up those grills.

Be sure to add a salad to your plate. I’m talking about a green salad — beware of the potato and macaroni salad, pasta salads that will shoot up your blood sugar. Not worth it — watch out for the carbs and add the proteins instead.

BEST THING TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME TO GO TO THE BBQ = Drink an 8oz glass of water and have a healthy snack. By doing that, you won’t be “famished” when you arrive and overwhelmed by the temptation.

Oh baby! It’s pretty hot here on the east coast, so keeping hydrated is important. REALLY important. I try to drink eight 8 ounce glasses of H20 every day. So far, so good. For some reason, I seem to be able to drink more water when I drink from a bottle instead of a glass. Why? I have no clue. But, truth be told, it just seems to go down faster. All I know is that it works — it’s just easier. I’ve been drinking water from the 16.9 ounce bottles which computes to a little less than 4 of those a day. Easy peasy!

Water comes in many forms and can hydrate us in various ways. Water in the form of oceans, streams, ponds, rivers and lakes brings serenity and nourish me. Whenever I’m relaxing by the sea I can only think positive thoughts. What a gift water is to us!

Fabulous beach!

Venice

Physically we’re hydrated by the consumption of water. An ice cold glass of water is incredibly refreshing and protects us from getting dehydrated. Just plain water! The consumption of water will help you to manage your diabetes.

Water in a “stem.” (Paris)

Sometimes, this T2D gets bored with it but, there’s an easy solution. A wedge or slice of fruit adds a great taste to this beverage. Fruit-infused water is refreshing! It’s all good, no matter how you drink it and it’s certainly the healthiest choice you can make.

Last week I went for my blood work so my doctor would have it prior to my visit. Friday was my appointment.

She was thrilled. My blood work was great. A1C = 6.6. She was happy, I was disappointed, actually, amazed! “If you saw what I’ve been eating, you’d never believe that’s accurate.” Dr. G responded, “It will catch up to you, you know that.” Yeah, yeah. I didn’t respond — she’s ALWAYS right.

For awhile now, I’ve been taking two Metformin instead of three. My goal is to get off them completely. The ONLY way to do that is to stay on track — no diversions. Lately, I’ve been the Queen of Diversions!

A little over a week ago denial crept in (with a vengeance). I actually ate potato chips and onion dip. 😦 It didn’t kill me, but what a stupid decision. And then there was the pie…cookies… Yes, I didn’t fall off the “wagon” I took a deep-dive plunge. Ugh.

The good news is, I’m back to healthy choices. If I have to have desserts, I’ll be heading to my sugar free Jello or small portions of fresh fruit.

Celebrating with a Gala!

JELLO — Sugar-free and Cook and Serve, Sugar=free pudding. (BLUE box)

Just remember there is such a thing as TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING (fruit can fall right into that category!)

Monitor glucose regularly

Obviously, I didn’t do too much damage, or 6.6 would have been WAY higher. I absolutely do NOT want to go back to 3 Metformin/day, so I’m re-committing myself again to staying on track — DAMN IT! It’s all about accountability, as always. There’s no hiding those numbers and not taking my blood sugar, is just plain irresponsible. I’m determined.

I know that when I’m dedicated and determined, I get involved in a project using my hands. I know when I do the artsy/craftsy thing, I won’t snack/eat the wrong foods.

Stress Relief

I know that when I sit and watch TV, I’m putting myself at risk. Gigunda risk!!! I become bored and troll the cabinets for something “bad.” Rarely do I find anything, because I don’t buy the foods/snacks that I know I shouldn’t be eating. I wish I could tell you that I give up and go back to watching the tube. That would not be true. There are times when I cave. I’ve walked and driven to the corner store or the gas station for a candy bar to “tide me over.” (I sound like a drug addict. Well, sugar IS a drug!) .

Diabetes sucks. Yes, it does. BUT, there are worse diseases, that’s for sure! So, I’ll be grateful and get back on the bike and do the right thing — one day at a time.

This disease is one heck of a roller-coaster, that’s for sure. Better days ahead.